Editorial: Puppy mills

Rep. Jason Saine, like so many people everywhere, loves dogs – and not only his pet Basset Hound Chomper . The Lincoln County Republican readily admits that he loves dogs in general.

That love and an experience he had a few years ago as a volunteer fireman led him to introduce a bill in the N.C. House aimed at establishing regulations for “puppy mills.”

“It touches you hard that people could do that to animals,” the lawmaker said after his fire department answered a call about neglected animals.

Indeed.

Over the years, The Gazette has reported on almost unbelievable cases of neglect of an assortment of animals. It’s always difficult to believe people can mistreat creatures that depend on humans for care. Only the most heartless among us would not be touched by the deplorable conditions in which some helpless animals are found.

Unfortunately, heartless individuals exist in society and more laws won’t change that fact.

Saine’s bill has won approval in the House and has the support of Gov. McCrory . It’s stuck in a Senate committee, however, with no likelihood of coming to the floor for a vote.

That’s because Sen. Bill Rabon , a Republican from Southport and a veterinarian, wants a stronger bill. That won’t solve the problems either.

Saine’s bill proposes restrictions on anyone who has at least 10 female dogs older than 6 months that are kept for breeding and selling puppies. It requires such things as daily exercise for the animals, fresh food and water, veterinary care, treatment to prevent parasites and protection from bad weather.

The regulations seem reasonable – expected of a breeder, actually — to those who love animals.

With any legislation, however, it’s logical to ask how the rules would be enforced. Would breeders be required to submit to periodic inspections? Who would conduct those inspections? Is it reasonable to assign the duty to firefighters? Would government hire more animal control officers – and at what cost to taxpayers?

Is the proposed law enforceable? Is it needed?

Already there are laws on the books related to animal welfare. The American Kennel Club supports enforcement of existing laws and we agree.

Saine proposes a fee of $25 a dog when someone is found in violation of the law, if his bill were to pass the Legislature.

If someone is cruel-hearted enough to keep animals for breeding purposes and allow then to go without food and water and health care, will the fine suddenly change their hearts? We don’t think so.

Doesn’t it seem counter-intuitive that someone who plans to sell animals would neglect and mistreat them? Unhealthy animals would have a lower value to the breeder and that is not good business sense.

Saine calls his bill a move to protect consumers. His efforts are no doubt well-intentioned, but government cannot keep people from making bad decisions when they purchase pets any more than government can give a caring heart to those who mistreat animals.

When these heartless people are discovered, let existing laws be used to help the helpless animals and remove them from these people’s care.